Table of Contents

1	INTRODUCTION TO INTEREST GROUPS The self-help and mutual aid learning principles The u3a Principles
2	YOUR FIRST STEPS
3	VENUES
4	THE GROUP MEETING Recommended steps at your first meeting After your first meeting Participative learning and learning styles Suggestions for group engagement
5	WEBSITE & MEMBERS’ RECORDS St Ives u3a website Beacon membership system Training
6	INSURANCE Copy of cover note
7	FINANCE Bank accounts and cash
8	POLICIES & PROCEDURES
9	HEALTH & SAFETY Accidents and incidents Copy of incident form
10	HELP & SUPPORT Subject advisors Sharing information Problem solving
11	CONTACTS & DOCUMENTS

Glossary of terms used in this handbook

Group Support Team	A team who meet monthly to discuss support for both existing groups and possible new groups
Group Supporter	A member of the Group Support Team appointed short term to assist a possible group in exploring ideas, or an existing group if needed
IT Supporter	A member of the IT Support Team assigned to each group to advise and assist with updating web pages and Beacon, as well as any other technical issues that may arise
Group Leader	Anyone involved in facilitating a group activity
Treasurer	The member of the St Ives (Cambs) u3a Committee who is responsible for the organisation’s finances
Possible Group	An idea for a new group, to be explored with a Group Supporter
New Group	A group that has progressed from Possible, to being ready to start

You can also view the booklet version of this handbook as a Flipbook or as a downloadable and printable PDF.